Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Sunday, September 19, 2021
He will cast the incense into the fire before Jehovah (Lev. 16:13).
In the annual celebration of the Day of Atonement, the nation of Israel gathered and the high priest offered animal sacrifices. These reminded the Israelites that they must be free from sin. But first the high priest had to pour the incense on the coals, and the room was filled with a pleasant aroma. What do we learn from this? The Bible compares the prayers of God's faithful servants to incense (Ps. 141: 2; Rev. 5: 8). The high priest carried the incense before Jehovah with great respect. Similarly, when we turn to God in prayer, we do so with deep respect. We value very much that our Creator allows us to draw close to him, as a son does with his father (James 4: 8). He accepts us as his friends (Ps. 25:14). This is such an honor for us that we don't want to do anything to displease you. w19.11 20-21 pars. 3-5
What do the peace sacrifices discussed in Leviticus 3: 6, 12, 14-16 teach us about Jesus' motives for doing his Father's will?
Lesson Three: We give our best to Jehovah because we love him. Jehovah considered the fat to be the best part of the animal. He also specified that some vital organs, such as the kidneys, had special value (read Leviticus 3: 6, 12, 14-16). So Jehovah was particularly happy when an Israelite volunteered his vital organs and fat. The Israelite making this offering demonstrated his deep desire to give Jehovah his best. Similarly, Jesus offered his best to his Father, serving him whole-souled out of love for him (John 14:31). For Jesus, it was a pleasure to do God's will, and he deeply loved his law (Ps. 40: 8). How it must have pleased Jehovah to see the willingness of his Son to serve him!
a) How is our service to God like those peace sacrifices? b) How can this comfort us?
Those peace sacrifices were voluntary and a show of love for God. Our service to Jehovah is like these sacrifices, as we voluntarily show how we feel toward him. We give him our best, and we do it because we love him with all our hearts. He must be very happy to see millions of people serve him because they have a deep love for him and his standards. It comforts us to remember that he sees and values not only what we do, but why we do it. For example, if old age does not allow us to do everything we would like to do, we can be sure that Jehovah does not focus on our limitations. We may think we have little to offer him, but he sees the deep love that motivates us to do all we can. You are happy to accept the best that we can give you.
How did Jehovah feel when the peace sacrifices were offered, and of what can we be sure?
What do peace sacrifices teach us? Jehovah was pleased when the smoke from the fire rose, consuming the best parts of the animal. So we can be sure that Jehovah is pleased with our voluntary and whole-souled service. —Col. 3:23. Imagine how happy you are. For him, everything that love motivates us to do in his service, be it a lot or a little, is something very valuable that he will always remember (Matt. 6:20; Heb. 6:10).
All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.
Comments
Post a Comment